From Lock 1 to Hollins Tunnel: The Rochdale Canal

 The Rochdale Canal, a historic waterway winding its way through the picturesque landscapes of northern England, offers a tranquil escape for boaters and nature enthusiasts alike. This blog post will delve into the enchanting stretch of the canal from Lock 1 to Hollins Tunnel.

A Glimpse into History

The Rochdale Canal, completed in 1804, was a marvel of 18th-century engineering. Its construction revolutionized transportation and trade in the region. It was closed to navigation in 1952. Today, the canal serves as a popular leisure destination, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Lock 1 to Sowerby Bridge

The journey begins at Lock 1, Sowerby Bridge lower alongside the canal wharf. Passing through Lock 2 and the newly restored section from here to Bridge 1a Tower Hill. This section was infilled in the 1950's and a new road and car park were built over what was locks 3 and 4. This section of canal was restored in 1996 when Locks 3 - 4 were were replaced by Tuel Lane Lock and Tunnel, the deepest inland lock in the United Kingdom making possible the first full length navigation of the Rochdale Canal since 1937.

Sowerby Bridge: A Canalside Gem

Sowerby Bridge, a vibrant town nestled along the canal, is a highlight of the journey. The town's historic buildings, charming shops, and bustling market square offer a glimpse into its rich heritage. The canalside path is ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides, providing stunning views of the canal and the surrounding countryside.

The Enigmatic Hollins Tunnel

The journey culminates at Hollins Tunnel, a short tunnel through the hillside. Constructed in the early 19th century, the tunnel was a significant engineering feat of its time. Today, it remains a fascinating relic of the industrial age still accessible by pedestrians, cyclists and boats despite being over 200 years old.

A Peaceful Retreat

Whether you're a seasoned boater or a casual visitor, the Rochdale Canal offers a truly unforgettable experience. The serene beauty of the canal, combined with the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, make it a must-visit destination. So, why not embark on a journey along this historic waterway and discover the magic of the Rochdale Canal for yourself.

The pictures below were taken in November 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, clicking any of them will open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography Zazzle store where merchandise featuring my images can be purchased.

I decided to give them a monochrome look to compensate for the Samsung Galaxy colours looking washed out.

Lock 1 Sowerby Bridge Lower, Sits on the edge of the canal basin, where the Rochdale Canal and Calder and Hebble Navigation meet.

Another of Lock 1, Lock 2 can be seen a short distance away.

Lock 2, Sowerby Bridge upper with the entrance to Tuel Lane Tunnel beyond. Growing up min the 1980's the area beyond the far locks gates was infilled and a grass embankment was in it's place.

Lock 3/4 Tuel Lane, the deepest canal lock in the United Kingdom at a depth of 19feet 8.5inches.

Bridge 1a Tower Hill Bridge, from the 1950's until the canal was re-opened in 1996 the canal terminated just the other side of the bridge, the section towards me forming part of a car park.

Co-op Bridge over the canal is thought to be at least 150 years old. It provided access from the nearby terrace housing to the mills down the valley. The canal tow path can not be accessed from the bridge.

The entrance to Hollins Tunnel.

Inside Hollins Tunnel, another memory from a distant past is walking through the dark tunnel for what felt like an age from 1 side to the other. With no lighting it was always a difficult walk in the darker winter months, I remember their was a hole on the footpath that was always difficult to avoid, I imagine if it was still their now many a cyclist and pedestrian would have got wet.

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Rochdale Canal Overflows in Sowerby Bridge

The 2015 Boxing Day floods marked a turning point for Sowerby Bridge, a town accustomed to the gentle rhythm of its waterways. For the first time in generations, the Rochdale Canal, once a vital artery of the local economy, was overwhelmed. The canal's banks gave way, flooding the towpath and inundating the locks. This historic event, coupled with the devastating impact of the Rivers Ryburn and Calder, forever etched itself into the town's memory.

These Polaroid photographs, preserved in timeless black and white, serve as a poignant reminder of the 2015 Boxing Day floods. The monochromatic format lends a historical and almost melancholic quality to the images, underscoring the enduring impact of this natural disaster.

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A Walk in Winter: The Calder and Hebble Navigation

These black and white photos capture the stark beauty of a winter scene along the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The path, blanketed in snow, winds its way alongside a still waterway. The trees lining the bank are bare, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers towards the inky sky.

The absence of color in this photo only heightens the sense of tranquility. The world seems hushed, blanketed in a peaceful silence. Footprints visible in the snow are likely those of lonely hikers, making the viewer feel as though they are a remote person in this isolated landscape.

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is a 21-mile canal in West Yorkshire, England. It was built in the late 18th century to connect Sowerby Bridge with Wakefield. Today, the canal is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and boating.

This photo is a reminder that even in the depths of winter, there is beauty to be found in the natural world. The stark contrast of the black and white tones highlights the simple elegance of the scene. The stillness of the river and the bare branches of the trees create a sense of peace and tranquility.

If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a great option. A walk along the canal towpath is a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the season, whatever the weather.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is also steeped in history. The canal was an important transportation artery during the Industrial Revolution, and there are a number of old mills and warehouses along its banks. Today, these buildings have been converted into homes, businesses, and arts centers.

Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a place to relax, the Calder and Hebble Navigation is a great place to visit. So next time you're in West Yorkshire, be sure to take a walk along this historic waterway. You might just be surprised by the beauty you find.

The pictures below were taken on the 17th January 2016 with a Nikon D3300 Camera, they can also be seen in a higher resolution on Clickasnap, by simply clicking any of the images. All will open in another window.

The canal pictured looking away from Walker Lane Bridge towards Chain Bridge. The Sowerby Bridge Gas Works and Gasometers used to occupy a site to the left of the picture just beyond the trees, the gasometers have long since been removed.

The canal is pictured here between Hollas Lane Bridge (Sterne Mills Bridge) and Edwards Road Bridge (Canal Mills Bridge). Both Bridges tend to known by either name, the land to the left of the picture has been redeveloped in to Copley Valley a mixed use zone of housing, industry and nature areas since this picture was taken. The land to the right of the picture may also face redevelopment in the coming years, it was for a number of years a car park for the Halifax Bank's Copley Data Centre, this has been closed for a while now with the data set to close and be sold off in the near future.

The canal towards Mearclough Canal Bridge, the waterway narrows a little here, often wondered why.

Clicking any image should open a link to the version on Clickasnap. Various images and products of mine are avaliable to view and purchase from the sites below, clicking any link will open in another window.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The following images are the colour versions of the pictures,

Ponders End Lock, February 2015

 A small set of pictures taken whilst on my lunch. I'd been to the nearby flour mill and whilst passing my lunch break by took these pictures of Ponders End Lock on the River Lee Navigation.

They were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 11th February 2015. There are 6 in total which can be seen below and on Clickasnap.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.